After having about of freezing weather my wife noticed a crack on the plastic panel attached to the bottom of the rear hatch back window. I took it to our local Ford dealer upon which I was informed that this is a defect in manufacturing and that they replace quite a few of these every year. But being that my warranty expired in August of 2005 they will not pay for replacement. I feel Ford should be held responsible.

- Eastwenatchee, WA, USA

This morning I noticed a crack in the tailgate of my 2003 Explorer XLT. It was not there two days ago. I took the vehicle to my local dealer and he said that the part is not covered under warranty or recall so I will be responsible for the charges. He has personally seen many of these. I have been on several forum sites and know that I am not the only one having this problem. Is anything being done from Ford's side?

- Millville, NJ, USA

Our Ford Explorer was parked in our garage like it is every night. In the morning we went out to put something in the back of the Explorer when we noticed that the back top hatch was cracked. It cracked right down the middle of the Ford sign. When we closed the hatch after noticing it it pinched my fingers. We contacted the dealer where we bought the vehicle and we were told that it was a service bulletin but not a recall and that he understood that it was dangerous and told us to contact Ford customer service. My husband contacted them and was told that they could not fix the problem. Ford gave us an estimate to fix it and it would be about $400. The problem with the hatch being cracked is that if someone was sitting in the third row seat at any time the glass could pop out and hit them in the head. When you do open the hatch your fingers get pinched if they are in the wrong place. We have not gotten the problem fixed yet.

- O'fallon, MO, USA

I have a 2003 Ford Explorer XLS. The rear lift gate on this vehicle has cracked directly below the rear window. We have spoken to the Ford dealership here and they say they are not obligated to fix this piece due the vehicle being out of the initial warranty even though I have the premium esp plan and the fact that temperatures got to below freezing (27 degrees F). This is an engineering defect that should be dealt with since the piece located on the exterior of the vehicle and should be able to withstand freezing temperatures. This is a part I believe should be coverage against defect. Cost of $57 plus installation and painting. I would like any help in this matter.

- Cunningham, TN, USA

2003 Ford Explorer rear hatch glass shattered while parked.

- Alvin, TX, USA

After receiving a recall letter for the liftgate, the consumer is unable to obtain repair, since the part is not available. Liftgate recall NHTSA 04V442000

- Dixfield, ME, USA

The consumer heard a wind noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when being driven, then suddenly the liftgate opened by itself.

- Ormond Beach, FL, USA

Glass of front windshield leaking, we had it resealed and it is again leaking and the new seal is lifting. The rear liftgate window was leaking and the water was leaking in between the inner and outer panels. When the liftgate is opened one gets an unexpected shower. This too required repairing. Dup

- Brockton, MA, USA

Plastic under the rear liftgate (rear hatch) cracked when closing in cold weather. The two cracks were over 6 inches long. The entire liftgate will need to be replaced.

- Elkton, MD, USA

Plastic under (attached to) rear liftgate window cracked in cold weather. Crack was ~10 inches long. Entire liftgate needs replacing.

- Madison, WI, USA